Deciding if an AED is right for the home

For some people at high risk of cardiac arrest, an AED can provide peace of mind and might help save their lives. Here are some things to keep in mind when considering whether to buy an AED:

• Risk of sudden cardiac arrest. For someone at high risk of sudden cardiac arrest due to a specific heartbeat problem, a healthcare professional will likely recommend an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) rather than an AED. An ICD is implanted in the chest. It's connected to the heart through a wire that can deliver a shock when needed.
• Living arrangements. You need someone with you to use the AED if you have cardiac arrest. And the person needs to be able to get on the floor to use the device and get back up. If you live alone or if the person you live with can't get up and down, a home AED might not make sense.
• Costs. Home AEDs can be expensive and aren't usually covered by insurance.
• Overall health and quality of life. Someone who has serious, long-term medical conditions or hasn't responded to treatment for heart conditions might decide not to be resuscitated from sudden cardiac arrest.